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Chorsell's avatar
Chorsell
Member
12 years ago

Where to next

Well I had my appointment today to discuss my treatment plan....

My diagnosis was extensive high grade DCIS following a wide local excision biopsy (30mm x 70mm x 50mm) so a fairly decent chunk!! And they did not get clear margins...

Now I know I am in the public system... so I shouldn’t be surprised.....  But what good is offering a mastectomy if you cannot offer any recon? So if you don’t have private cover you go without boobs?

Now I was pleased that I had already come to the decision that I wanted a double mastectomy and the Dr agreed it was appropriate... however what I don’t understand is why he seemed so surprised that I wanted immediate recon and that if he couldn’t do it then could you please refer me to someone who can?

No I don’t want to wait 12 months to get boobs again... why is that surprising?

I can only thank my lucky stars I found this site as it has been a great source of comfort and information, and my heart breaks for those women who get this news and are not prepared and are not given any information to help them make an informed choice....

The one thing I have learned is that in this situation one size does not fit all and there are so many variables that impact choices and options....

So where does that leave me….  I have a referral to another public hospital that can do mastectomy and reconstruction…. So again we wait!!!

I just want it done….

 

(BTW I live in South Australia and I am 51)

 

26 Replies

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  • Sueb's avatar
    Sueb
    Member
    12 years ago

    I had my mastectomy 5 weeks ago (left side only). I started reconstruction straight away. I have had to travel 600km to see the surgeon & operation & follow up appointments.

    My surgeon went through options with us. Private. Public. Costs, Different types of reconstruction.

    In the end, I went in as a private patient in the public hospital. It meant I could start my reconstruction straight away instead of going on a waiting list. My expenses were much less than going private.

    Good luck with your choices & operation.

    Kind regards

    Sue

  • Karen_T's avatar
    Karen_T
    Member
    12 years ago

    Wow.  I am not yet at treatment options stage and am stunned that you got that kind of response from the Dr!

    I am so glad you you have a referal to a place that does offer reconstruction - Hoping your next appoinment is a much better experience and can help with all your specifics.

    Waiting sucks. Hope this next place is the right fit for you and you can move on to the next phase.

     

     

  • Karen_T's avatar
    Karen_T
    Member
    12 years ago

    Wow.  I am not yet at treatment options stage and am stunned that you got that kind of response from the Dr!

    I am so glad you you have a referal to a place that does offer reconstruction - Hoping your next appoinment is a much better experience and can help with all your specifics.

    Waiting sucks. Hope this next place is the right fit for you and you can move on to the next phase.

     

     

  • Chorsell's avatar
    Chorsell
    Member
    12 years ago

    Thanks Paula

    Yes I have been going through those posts there is some great info there.. Iamstarting to build a list in preparation...

    I feel for the rural ladies it would be added stress at the time when you least need it...

    regards

    Chris

  • Chorsell's avatar
    Chorsell
    Member
    12 years ago

    Thanks Louise...

    Lucky for me I found this site early in this process....

     

    Regards

     

    Chris

  • LouiseTurner's avatar
    LouiseTurner
    In Memoriam
    12 years ago

    Hi Chorsell

    Good on you for asking for what you want. I hope you find what you need. I went public also, I saw 4 plastic surgeons before getting what i wanted/needed. Keep looking till you get there.

    What an incredibly arrogant response to your need,s, sadly I think it is all too common XX

  • LouiseTurner's avatar
    LouiseTurner
    In Memoriam
    12 years ago

    Hi Chorsell

    Good on you for asking for what you want. I hope you find what you need. I went public also, I saw 4 plastic surgeons before getting what i wanted/needed. Keep looking till you get there.

    What an incredibly arrogant response to your need,s, sadly I think it is all too common XX